Robotic Lawn Mower Camera Lighting for Low-Light Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic lawn mowers struggle with effective object detection and navigation in dark/low-light conditions, particularly due to challenges in illuminating and capturing images of objects at varying distances without overexposure.
Innovation Solution
A camera arrangement with multiple light sources having different optical characteristics, controlled by a unit that switches between sets of light sources and algorithms based on environmental conditions, to optimize illumination and image processing for object detection and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single light source is used to illuminate the environment, then the camera can capture images in dark conditions, but objects at different distances cannot be adequately illuminated without overexposure
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple light sources with different optical characteristics. Each light source is responsible for illuminating a specific distance range, with the first light source illuminating near objects and the second light source illuminating far objects, thereby avoiding overexposure and ensuring adequate illumination across all distances
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the illumination system are assigned different optical properties tailored to their specific functions. The first light source has optical characteristics optimized for near-field illumination while the second light source has characteristics optimized for far-field illumination, ensuring each region receives appropriate light quality
2Manufacturing precision
If light sources with different optical characteristics are used, then objects at different distances can be illuminated properly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources with different optical characteristics are merged into a single integrated camera arrangement. The control unit coordinates all light sources and image sensors as one unified system, managing the complexity through centralized control while maintaining the benefits of diverse illumination capabilities
3Measurement precision
If multiple sets of light sources are switched based on distance, then detection accuracy improves, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from image analysis to dynamically select and switch between different light source sets. By continuously monitoring the captured images and determining object distance, the system automatically adjusts which light sources are active, achieving high detection accuracy through adaptive control based on real-time conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient detection of objects at different distances in dark/low-light environments, enhancing the robotic lawn mower's operational capability around the clock.
Implementation Method 1
the co-operating light sources are constituted by light emitting diodes, LEDs
Implementation Method 2
at least two light sources adapted to emit light towards the environment
Implementation Method 3
Each camera arrangement comprises an image sensor and at least two light sources adapted to emit light towards the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic lawn mower includes an environmental detection system that in turn comprises at least one camera arrangement adapted to capture environmental images and a control unit adapted to process the captured images to provide environment data. Each camera arrangement comprises an image sensor and at least two light sources adapted to emit light towards the environment. At least two co-operating light sources of said light sources have mutually different optical characteristics that confer mutually different light distribution characteristics.